What does the catastrophic record-magnitude earthquake in Japan mean to the worldwide energy industry? With the disastrous events in Japan following the record magnitude earthquake, the country has experienced some problems with one of its nuclear power stations in Fukushima. Nuclear reactors are meant to be built to withstand seismic activity, but the plant is still experiencing some significant difficulties, … Read More
Renewable energy plans to be reviewed
Energy Minister Charles Hendry has spoken out on issues surrounding renewable energy and wind power. The UK Energy minister has spoken about government plans for the nation’s energy mix, with some possible changes to its approach on wind power. Speaking at Westminster Hall last week Hendry stated his support of the offshore wind power and nuclear energy initiatives already put … Read More
Dash for gas expected in UK
The Energy and Climate Change Committee has warned of another possible dash for gas in a report published last week. The parliamentary committee has targeted the UK coalition government’s National Policy Statements (NPSs), designed to speed up the planning process for energy projects. The report warns that the NPSs could in fact reduce investment in renewable and low carbon energy … Read More
Nuclear power & a new government
What is the UK Nuclear industry looking forward to under a new government? Hung Parliament & Nuclear Power Following the televised debates, polls are indicating that the chances of one party gaining enough of a majority to be elected has significantly dropped. This has led to concerns that the nuclear power plans put in place by the Labour government could … Read More
EDF profits boosted by nuclear acquisitions
The French energy giant has reported a net income of £3.4bn for the financial year. EDF, who are planning to build a number of next generation nuclear power stations in the UK, saw sales increase by 4pc to €66.3bn. EDF’s growth has been attributed to it’s acquisition of British Energy, the UK nuclear operator for a reported £12.5bn at the … Read More
Britain’s new nuclear plan given go ahead
10 new nuclear power plants are to be built, aiming for 25% nuclear energy by 2025. Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband announced this week that new nuclear plants, combined with renewable energy and cleaner coal plants, can secure the country’s energy supply and cut its carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. With nuclear power currently providing around 15% of … Read More
Government report advises increase in nuclear role needed
Report published this week advises that the percentage of the UK’s energy generated from nuclear plants could double after 2030. The report, commissioned by the government, claims that the most efficient solution to lowering the UK’s depency on energy from sources such as natural gas and fossil fuels is by increasing the UK’s nuclear output to a proposed target of … Read More
Centrica in British Energy deal
Energy giant Centrica, owner of British Gas, has agreed a deal with french company EDF Energy to take control of 20% of British Energy. Last year Centrica agreed a fee of about £3.1 billion for 25% of British Energy. They have now confirmed the new re-negotiated deal, £2.3 billion for a 20% stake.
Nuclear site auction winners announced
The auction of three proposed sites for new nuclear plants finished at the end of april. The three new nuclear sites, next to existing nuclear plants, at Wylfa, Oldbury and Bradwell, were bought by a consortium of E.ON UK & RWE Npower (Wylfa & Oldbury) and French energy giant EDF (Bradwell)
Online auction bids for nuclear sites higher than expected
An online, ebay style auction selling land for proposed nuclear sites has surpassed all expectations. The bidding for the three sites, being sold by the NDA (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority) went over the £200m mark last week. This is evidence of the growth in interest in nuclear power, as the renewables sector, and particularly offshore wind, seems to be losing its … Read More